World Choir Games - A Night of Song and Dance

Concert One on Friday 12 July opens with Te Waka Huia, legendary five-time winners of Te Matatini’s biennial national competition. The group is a pan-tribal urban kapa haka established in 1981 by the late Ngāpō and Pīmia Wehi to maintain the values and ideals of being Māori in an urban setting. The ultimate trophy at Te Matatini is partially named for these two pioneers.

They will be followed by the Paduan Suara Mahasiswa (Student Choir) from Hasanuddin University in Makassar, South Sulawesi. As with many Indonesian choirs, this group performs in stunning traditional dress and typically moves as it sings, often while telling a traditional story. The effect is beautiful and captivating.

Concert Two on Thursday 18 July opens with Ngā Tūmanako, much-fêted overall winner at the Te Matatini festival in 2019. The group was established to continue and fulfil the aspirations of its past community leaders at Hoani Waititi Marae. Its current leaders are graduates of the marae’s Kōhanga Reo and Kura Kaupapa Māori – a full-immersion educational pathway established to ensure the survival of Māori language and culture.

The second half features a performance by the New Zealand Youth Choir, conducted by David Squire. Founded in 1979 and now counting many renowned singers, conductors and other musicians among its alumni, NZYC needs no introduction in this country or in many other parts of the world. Expect superb singing and a varied, highly entertaining programme!